Surrey v Hants & Herts U10 at Colet's

Following some internal disputes Surrey fielded a B team for this event from which the winners would progress to the national Finals. Whilst Hampshire first and second strings, Phil Bull (Winchester) & Robert Downer (Lee), made easy work of their opponents, strings 3, 4 & 5 were pushed harder. Damon Chase (Fair Oak) got out of trouble creatively with a pair of bemusing corkscrews mid-rally. Chris Whitworth (Kings Guernsey) overcame his lack of match fitness to achieve a commanding win. Although Tristan Eyesele (Lord Wandsworth College) got off to a flying start in his first inter county match, his opponent began to read his game taking the 3rd, however the Hants player responded with an assertive 9-3 win in the 4th to take the match.

Hertfordshire arrived in full force with England U19 no. 1 Adrian Waller being pushed hard to 7 in each game by a committed Phil Bull. Rob Downer pushed himself to the limit against Ollie Dixon currently ranked nationally at 11. Rob levelled the game at 1-1. He kept up the ferocious pressure taking balls early and powerfully , but Ollie did not buckle and responded taking the next two games. Damon really stood a chance of getting a result in his competitive match, but couldn't quite steer the game style to his liking. Tristan meanwhile found Adrian's younger brother Phil's shots and replies too tight, controlled and clever to to outrun and retrieve. Chris looked fatigued in the first game, but found reserves and winning strategies in the second before tiredness again took a greater hold. Meanwhile Alastair Roberts (Lee) was comfortably beating both Surrey and Hertfordshire 6th string opponents maintaining the momentum of his improving form.

Damon and Chris have represented the County at junior level with commendable commitment over several seasons and now move on to senior levels, as does the improving Tristan Eyesele.

Hertfordshire take the southern counties flag forward to the National Finals in March.

Regards

Martin